Holy Snake at Tanah Lot: History, Beliefs, and Visitor Tips

Tanah Lot Temple located in Bali Indonesia, captures the attention of millions of visitors due to its beautiful views of the ocean. This is Bali’s iconic sea temple and It is one of the most well visited places in Bali. However, this temple-complex does have a lesser-known attraction: the Holy Snake at Tanah Lot. Facing reverence among the locals, the Holy Snake is believed to be a protector of the people and guardianship of their spirits.

The aims of this article are to highlight the significance and the origin of the Holy Snake at Tanah Lot. Not only that, essential traveling tips are presented in this article as well.

1. The History of the Holy Snake at Tanah Lot

Photo source by: r_djangkaru (Instagram)

The Holy Snake at Tanah Lot is unique in its own right and has a back story spanning hundreds of years. The temple was constructed in the 16th century by the well-known balinese priest named Dang Hyang Nirartha. He is the person who introduced Hinduism to the rest of the islands scattered in the Indonesian archipelago. In accordance with a local legend, this holy man, Nirartha, who had previously relocated to the tip of Tanah Lot, selected this coastal rock outcrop because he could “feel” the energy. Here, he constructed the temple structure as a place of awe and devotion to the sea deities.

Tanah Lot has always captivated visitors and one might have come across the legend of the “Holy Snake” standing guard at the temple. The story goes that Nirartha tore his sash and turned it into a snake while he commanded it to protect the temple. The locals believe that the serpent is a demigod and its presence has always demanded respect. Its holy stature has been standing for centuries and is a source of protection to the temple.

Visitors who come to Tanah Lot can spot this small demigod easily as it resides in a cave at the bottom of the temple when it is not in the vicinity of the temple itself. However, in order to protect the temple that this snake aids in guarding, it is advised that only temple caretakers assist visitors who wish to see it. Fun fact, this sea krait is indeed a highly venomous snake but Tanah lot’s belief that the snake is holy has allowed it to live in peace throughout the centuries.

2. Cultural and Religious Beliefs Related to the Holy Snake at Tanah Lot

Photo source by: r_djangkaru (Instagram)

The Sacred Snake at Tanah Lot is more than a physical entity, being one of the potent aspects in Balinese Hinduism. The Balinese people perceive the snake as a powerful protector enclosing the temple’s spirit and constituting a linkage between the earthly and celestial worlds. It is said that the Holy Snake wards off any kind of supernatural interference, especially the one originating from the sea.

In Bali, snakes symbolically imply protection and transformation. The Holy Snake at Tanah Lot is thought to be a display of Dang Hyang Nirartha’s immense power and strong will. Residents assert that while the snake lives at Tanah Lot, the temple will not be threatened. This faith is so great that most of the people who come to the visit the snake feel calm and secure, believing that the greatness of the snake is contributing to their calmness.

A charm for the serpent can be found in temples that include a serpent in their decorations, where Ulin, the serpent, is worshipped and revered by offering Balinese Hindu reverency to him. During the Balinese religious ceremonies, the priests and caretakers offer prayers and offerings near the snake’s cave to ask for blessings to how the woman called ‘Tanah Lot’ the protector of the Tanah Lot temple was mentioned wasn’t too rare too.

3. Tips for Visiting Holy Snake at Tanah Lot

Some considerations must be taken to maintain proper decorum during the Holy Snake’s visit at Tanah Lot Temple.

Choose the Correct Time

The roots of the temple are embedded in a rock that is entirely engulfed by water with no means to walk in, once the water level rises the temple sits cut off cause the waves. As the water level rises also prevents you from entering the navel of the snake. Ones should plan their visit close to the low tides, which would allow complete action within the area occupied by the Holy Snake during the time of the meeting.

Respect and Understand the Local Culture

The Holy Snake is in the possession of special cultural and religious attributes, so it is crucial to respect such meeting. There are certain rules that the visitors are required to observe while getting close to the Holy Snake at Tanah Lot. It is common for locals to cleanse themselves with holy water before laying eyes on the sacred places, while some temples bless visitors as a pre-requisite. These practices are part of respecting the culture and make the experience of meeting the snake even more interesting.

Take Help from Temple Staff for Information

The Holy Snake’s cave has local guides and caretakers who are able to explain the importance of the snake. Many of these guides have grown up with the stories of Tanah Lot and have a good grasp of spiritual meaning of the temple. Such interaction with these caretakers can help the visitors gain better understanding of the Holy Snake found at Tanah Lot and the significance of the snake to the Balinese. Endow this opportunity because guides will also make sure the snake at observation is safe, while it is venomous and should always be kept eye on.

In case You are Willing, Make an Offering

If you would like to, you can pay your respects to the Holy Snake at Tanah Lot by following some temple’s rituals and leaving an offering at Tanah Lot temple which consists of flowers, grains, and incense. You can also leave a small amount as an offering near the snake’s cave, but this is not compulsory and if anyone wants to, they can watch the ceremony without having to take part in it. If you feel comfortable, you can leave an offering near the Rock Temple of Tanah Lot or directly offer it to the snake.

Make Sure to Not Capture the event indiscriminately

With the Holy Snake at Tanah Lot it is appropriate to take photos but be sure to respect its space while doing so. You should also respect the temple and not make a flash shot. Always keep the particulars and restrictions related to the photography of the temple in mind. Always ask the caretakers before taking photos if you have doubts. With that, visitors will be careful of the snake and the sacredness of the temple.